I am in cold New England for Christmas holidays and trying very hard to establish the malic acid regimen. Currently I have reached 1600 malic and 400 magnesium. Going slow to avoid diarrhea as I am so sensitive to it. My question is when you reached the 3300 malic, how long before you noticed significant improvement. Recall I wrote you about my cramping and I think you have been cramp free for some time. This cramping is really a killer.

Hi, Patsie! Well, the supplements I take are from Puritan.com and they contain both the malic acid and magnesium. Those didn't cause diarrhea with me but I did start out slowly. You probably won't see a lot of difference until you get to the 2,400 range of malic acid. So, be patient. Reread the thread I wrote about it on the Fibro 101 thread and that might help you.

Now, are you getting potassium in your system? Tea, potatoes, and bananas have a lot of potassium in them Lack of potassium can cause cramping too.

Lastly, are you taking a calcium with D supplements along with the malic acid/magnesium supplement? You need to do this to balance things out. I mentioned that in the thread about it. Also, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis a couple of years ago. I upped my calcium to 1,200 mg with D and you know what? Once I did that, my leg and foot cramping stopped! I checked and a lack of calcium can also cause cramping! I didn't know it at the time.

I know how painful the cramping can be. I used to have my feet cramp up at night and I would have to jump out of bed and stand up to help stop the cramping. Sometimes I had to walk around for a while. But all of that stopped when I started taking more calcium.

I'm not sure how old you are but if you are over 50 you do need 1,200 mg of calcium with D to help prevent osteoporosis. I take Citracal because it is the easiest to be absorbed. Hope this help you. Let me know how it goes!

Thank you so much for the reply. I know how hard you work to help us and I so appreciate it. I saw the thread saying extra ca but did not know how much. I am 60 and my mother had terrible osteoporosis. I am due for a bone density when I get back to FLA. Believe me I am ready today, brrrrr!

I have had problems in the past with stomach ache and calcium so will get Citracel today. Have tried watching Potassium as in sports that was an issue with me but it hasn't helped. I love potatoes to death so probably get enough.

Sherrine, I get up at night with the worst painful toe cramps and calves at times too. I have seen slight improvement. They hurt so badly. I am on the malic, magnesium combo too.

Patsie, I always take any medication or supplements with food. That helps protect the stomach. I also divide the doses. I take 600 mg with breakfast and the other 600 mg after dinner. That might help with the calcium. I split up the doses of malic acid/magnesium the same way.

Cannot believe you are in the Tampa area, I live in Odessa, north of Tampa. We may be closer than you think!!!!

I got the citracal today and am gonna break it up as you suggested. Will be sure it is with food. Thanks.

I start back to FL on Friday but have a 3 day drive b/c I wouldn't come up without my pup. It has been an experience, he had never seen snow and would NOT potty for several days. It was awful but nature finally won out!!!! Man do I need sunshine!!!

Patsie,When you get toe cramps try biting your lower lip until it passes. I was taught that in nursing school and it often does the trick. Has something to do with the nerves traveling along the same path (or just next to each other) in the spinal cord. We used to use it on patients in the nursing home, too. Worth a try and it's FREE!~ Jeannie, Forum Moderator/Diabetes & FibromyalgiaI know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teresa

"People are like stained glass windows: They sparkle and shine when the sun's out, butwhen the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within."- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

i find when i get toe and leg cramps if you find the cramp and put pressure on it ... and release repeat it a few times... that helps... chiropractor told me that a long time ago..... has something to do with lactic acid build up and it lets the blood flowDiagnosed - fibromyalgia 2001